Library

Culture of reading and research

Since our founding in 2000, IDEA Public Schools’ libraries have promoted a culture of reading and research to help our students tap into the world of knowledge, unlock doors of opportunity, and equip themselves for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment.

Today, IDEA’s libraries for our Academy schools are known as AR Zones (Accelerated Reader Zones), while our College Prep libraries are called Reading and Research Centers.

Following are links to useful resources provided through our libraries:

At each of our campuses, IDEA has created an AR Zone where students can go to focus on reading. This independent reading practice time enables our students to apply the skills and strategies they have learned in their reading classes. The AR Zones also give the facilitator and teachers the opportunities to check student learning and identify weaknesses. In addition, these environments draw students into the world of “real” reading—a world in which people learn from and enjoy books. Practice does not automatically lead to growth, however. To be effective, practice must have certain attributes: it must be at the right level of difficulty, cover a sufficient amount of time, and be enjoyable enough to sustain students’ interest; so that is why each AR Zone is staffed by a knowledgeable AR facilitator.

IDEA Public Schools has transformed our College Prep libraries into Reading and Research Centers (RRCs). These spaces will ensure that students are not only exposed to great literature, but also taught effective research techniques and skills that will assist them in being successful in middle school, high school and throughout their college years. The core of the RRC program is to shape lifelong learners. As lifelong learners, our students are information literate, skilled at using the growing array of available information and producing information in a variety of formats. Our RRC staff members are essential to a strong RRC program. They are valued partners in student learning who play a variety of roles—as teachers/collaborators, curricular/instructional partners, information specialists, and program managers contributing to and drawing from the entire learning community.

Free. Focused on College. For All Children.

It is the policy of IDEA Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.